Opening:

THE CHANGE-UP—Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds as odd-couple friends who magically switch bodies and have to live each other’s lives. Co-starring Leslie Mann and Alan Arkin. Directed by David Dobkin (The Wedding Crashers). Reviewed this issue.

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES—Not a sequel, sort of a prequel, no idea just what it is because the studio didn’t preview it, and that’s never a good sign. Starring James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, and Brian Cox. Directed by Rupert Wyatt.

SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN—Adaptation of the Lisa See novel about two women bound as laotong (lifelong friends) in 19th century China, and their contemporary counterparts. Starring Li Bingbing, Jun Gianna, Vivian Wu and Hugh Jackman. Directed by Wayne Wang (The Joy Luck Club). Reviewed this issue.

TERRI—Independent film about an overweight teenager (Jacob Wysocki) drifting through his existence at a suburban school. Co-starring John C. Reilly and Creed Bratton. Directed by Azazel Jacobs. Reviewed this issue.

ETC:

CULTURE IN CINEMA: NABUCCO—Live broadcast from the Teatro Antico in Taormina, Italy of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera. Starring Juan Pons, Chiara Taigi and Eufemia Tufano. Conducted by Pier Giorgio Morandi. Directed by Enrico Castiglione. Tues 3:30 pm. Amherst Theatre, 3500 Main St. (834-7655 / www.dipsontheatres.com).

FUNNY LADY (1975)—Sequel to Funny Girl, with Barbra Streisand as 1920s comedienne Fanny Brice involved with showman Billy Rose (James Caan) and gambler Nicky Arnstein (Omar Sharif). Directed by Herbert Ross (Steel Magnolias). Thurs Aug 11, 7 pm. Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St, N. Tonawanda (692-2413 / www.rivieratheatre.org).

GOD’S LAND—Comedy-drama based on a true story that took place in Lockport about Chinese members of a cult that believes God is coming to take them away in a spaceship, and their efforts to assimilate while they wait. Director Preston Miller will be present for the Friday and Saturday shows Thurs, Fri, Sat, Tues 8 pm. The Screening Room, Northtown Plaza in Century Mall, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst (837-0376 / www.screeningroom.net).

HELLO DOLLY (1969)—Barbra Streisand as matchmaker Dolly Levi in the film adaptation of the Broadway hit. With Walter Matthau, Michael Crawford, E. J. Peaker and Louis Armstrong. Directed by Gene Kelly. Thurs Aug 4, 7 pm. Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St, N. Tonawanda (692-2413 / www.rivieratheatre.org).